When Doug Van Gilder looks back on his journey to becoming manager of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, he notes the influence of one inspiring mentor.

First entering college as a music major unfamiliar with many performance basics, Van Gilder was taken under the wing of his bassoon teacher, who helped him advance so quickly he soon joined a professional symphony.

“That person saw something in me and decided to spend a little more time working with me,” remembers Van Gilder, whose rural high school had offered limited music training. “I would never have thought at that stage that I would become the manager of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.”

It’s just this kind of impact Van Gilder hopes to have through his additional role, as executive director of Las Vegas Youth Orchestras (LVYO).

An after-school program, LVYO provides empowering musical coaching and ensemble-performance experience for hundreds of Southern Nevada children and youth, many of whom couldn’t otherwise access this level of music training.

Most participants, Van Gilder notes, go on to higher education and successful careers that he believes stem from the lessons they experienced in LVYO’s ensembles.

“These orchestras help them develop discipline and teamwork and doing a little extra to pursue what you love,” he says. “This is good training for life in general.”

Comprehensive Musical Training

Initially created by Clark County School District as Sunrise Symphony in 1975, LVYO has grown to now include over 425 participants spanning 8 to 18 years old.

“They have nothing in their own areas that’s like this,” Van Gilder says.

Aiming to help young musicians advance from beginner to advanced levels, LVYO offers five different ensembles for specific ages and playing abilities.

Each ensemble prepares musicians for the next playing level, training them in skills like sight-reading while they rehearse music that will engage their interest and prepare them for more challenging pieces later.

“Someone can start in third grade and continue through all the levels,” Van Gilder notes.

Each ensemble also includes music coaches who work with every instrument section on difficult music passages and performance skills.

“A lot of kids don’t take lessons because they can’t afford it,” Van Gilder explains. “This allows them to get something out of the experience besides sitting and being frustrated because they don’t understand everything.”

Our Sponsors

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a Nevada nonprofit organization registered with the Secretary of State. Contributions may be tax deductible under IRS regulations. Our mission is to provide and preserve a high-quality performing arts center that is embraced by the community and recognized as a vital force by supporting artistic excellence, education and inspiration for all.